Red Sox first-round pick Trey Ball likely to sign contract this week

According to a source familiar with the situation, Red Sox first-round pick Trey Ball will fly to Boston on Sunday and is likely to sign a contract this week for below the recommended bonus value to the seventh overall pick of $3,246,000. The news was first reported by Evan Drellich of Masslive.com.

Ball, a left-handed pitcher from New Castle High School in New Castle, Ind. has committed to playing at the University of Texas, but by signing the contract he will turn professional and forgo any collegiate eligibility.

The 18-year-old southpaw, whose fastball is in the mid-90's, went 6-0 with a miniscule 0.76 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 46 innings this past season. He had been a two-way player, playing center field, but will likely turn his attention to solely pitching once with the Red Sox.